AIPA NEWS: OCTOBER 2007
As mentioned briefly last month the Ministry of Economic Development recently released a second discussion on the Commissioning Rule asking for further information from interested stakeholders. In response the AIPA has submitted yet another document highlighting the discriminatory nature of the Commissioning Rule while also including further evidence of how repealing Section 21(3) will benefit not only photographers, but all affected artists/creators. This in turn will bring great benefit to the local creative economy and New Zealand society as a whole.
Now, once again, we have to wait while the MED reviews all of the submissions from various stakeholders (both for and against the repeal) and then presents a policy recommendation to the government. Who knows how long this will take.
In the mean time however we cannot afford to sit idly and twiddle our thumbs. We need to continue to raise awareness of the absurdity of the Commissioning Rule, especially amongst those in power – i.e. Members of Parliament. Therefore I would like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage every photographer reading this (regardless of whether you’re an AIPA member or not) to take some form of action this month regarding copyright. For some this could simply be a matter of learning more about the current copyright situation so you can effectively voice an informed opinion on the matter. Ideally however we really need commercial photographers throughout New Zealand to start writing to, and meeting with, their local MPs in order to gain their support for a complete repeal of Section 21(3).
Next year is an election year so we need to start applying the pressure in earnest. As they say “the squeaky wheel gets oiled” – we certainly can’t afford to stop squeaking now. The law will only be changed if we continue to express our outrage and disgust for the highly unjust and outdated legislation we currently have in place.
If you want to know more about the Commissioning Rule or if you would like to help with our ongoing campaign seeking its repeal simply send us an email via copyright@aipa.org.nz.
Aaron K
AIPA Executive Director
